The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-31
CHAPTER VII.
THE LAST SLAVE.

THE LAST SLAVE.
That evening James Burbank told his peopl
what had happened at the court. Texars hate
full conduct was revealed. It was at his instiga
ton that the summons had been sent to Camd
less Bay. The conduct of the N Magistrates had
been worthy of praise. When the charge Of
communicating with the federals had beer
made they had asked for the proof, and as the
proof was not forthcoming Burbank set al
liberty.
With these vague charges Gilbert's name had
been mixed up. There could not be much
doubt that the young man was with the North
ern army. Was not James Burbank's refusal a
hali-admission that the assertion was true9 And
consequently great was the fear and anxiety on
the part Of Mrs. Burbank, and Alice. and all the
family. IL the son could not be got at would
not the rabble of Jacksonville take vengeance
on his fatherq Texar had boosted that in a few
days he would produce his proof; and it was not
impossible that he could do So What would
have to be done them
poor Gilbert" said Mrs. Burbank. 'to know
he is so near to Texar, who will stop at nothing
20 attain his end"
Gould we not let him know what is happen.
ing at jacksonville" asked Alice.
Eyes" said Mr.. Stanna-d, I'VE might let him
know that the slightest imprudence on his part
will have the most deplorable consequences for
his and him"
'.And how are we to let MIN know T. asked
James Burbank. There are spies all round the
plantation; there can be no doubt of that The
messenger Gilbert sent was watched back to the
frontier. Every letter we write may fall into
Texar's hands. Every man we send with a
verbal message may be arrested on the road.
No, my friends, do not try to make matters
worse. May heaven send the federals into
Florida without delay 1t is time they came
now; the minority of honest people is threatened
by the scoundrels of the country"
James Burbank right. Owing to the
watch kept round the plantation it would be
very imprudent to hold any communication
with Gilbort And the time was approaching
when he and his people would be in safety under
the protection of the federal armv.
In fact, Z was the very next morning that
Commodore Dupont was to start from his anchor
age at Edisto. In three days his fotilla would
have dropped down the Georgia coast and
reached St Andrews bay
Then James Burbank told his friends of the
very serious matter that happened before the
magistrates; how he had been led to reply to
Texars taunt as to the slaves at Candles Bay.
Strong in his right, strong in his conscience, he
had publicly declared the abolition of slavery
on his estate. This what Southern State
had yet allowed to be proclaimed without having
been obliged by the fortune of war. He had done
it entirely of his own free will
The declaration was as bold as it was magnan-
imous. What would be its consequences
could foresee. Evidently it would not make
Burbank's position less hazardous in this slave
holding country. It might perhaps. provoke
some desire of revolt among the slaves on other
plantations. That did not matter! His friends.
excited by the grandeur of his action, fully ap-
proved of what Burbank had done.
James" said Mrs. Burbank. whatever may
happen. you did quite right to reply in that way
to Texar's odious insinuations."
1--WE are proud of you, fatherl" said Alice, Civ
ing Mr.. Burbank the name for the first time.
'.And SO, my dear girl" said James Burbank,
when Gilbert and his federals enter Florida
they will not find single slave at Candies
Bay"
Thank You, Mr.. Burbank" said Zermah. ST
thank you for my companions and myself. AS
far as / am concerned. never felt was slave
Your kindness and generosity have always made
me seem like as free as l am to-day"
"Quite SO, Zermah," said Mrs. Burbank
less"
Zermah vainly tried to hide her emotion. She
took by in her arms and clasped her to her
bosom.
Carol and Stannard cordially shook hands
with Burbank, to show how they applauded his
deed of daring-and justice.
Evidently the Burbank family in their gener-
Gus enthusiasm forgot all about the complica-
70 which ha actr niphf OF vic
No one at Candles Bay would think of blam-
ing James Burbank, unless perhaps MIR. Perry,
the overseer. when he heard what had taken
place. But he was away on duty and would not
be back till late at night
When the family gathering broke up, Mr.. Bur
bank told them that next morning he would
give the slaves their liberty.
I'VE will be with you, James" said Mrs. Bur
bank, when you tell them they free"
Eyes, SO will all Of us" said Carroll
'And me toop said little by.
Eyes, my dear; you too"
"Zermah," said the little girl, ''are yon going
to leave us now2
mo. my child N said Zermah. '.No, I will
never leave your
In the morning, the first person Mr.. Burbank
net in the private garden was Perry, the over
seer. AS the secret had been kept he had
heard nothing about it. He soon heard it from
he lips of his master-much to his amazement |
''Oh, Mr.. James! oh, Mr.. James,"
The worthy man was quite astounded, and |
,ther words failed him.
But this ought not to surprise YOU Perry,n |
laid Burbank. 81 am only anticipating matters
You know that the acknowledgements of the /
placks is act imposed on every State that is |
careful of its dignity"
ats dignity, Mr. James! What sort of a |
hing is this dignity? s0ce
You Go not understand the word dignity,
9erryI Well, careful of its interest"
sits interests-its interests, Mr.. James! You
Iav careful of its interests"
Certainly, and the future will show you am
light"
But where are we to get the labor for the
Mr.. Burbank
amongst the blacks, Perry"
"But il the blacks are free not TO work thev